Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Forum on Mandatory Death Penalty - 7.30pm, 11/5/2011, SCAH KL

A coalition of NGOs and other concerned citizens have organised a Forum to review the mandatory Death Penalty, in particular with regards it's use against drug traffickers/drug mules.

We have oftentimes read in the media of the plight of the drug mules - the stories are similar.  They are comparatively young unsuspecting men or women, duped into carrying the drugs, either because they were informed that the "package" contained something other than drugs, or that whatever contraband they were carrying would result in them having to serve a prison sentence of 4-5 years (in exchange for plenty money).

While we are not excusing their actions, the question is whether a mandatory death sentence is commensurate with the offence, given that the law relies on many presumptions in achieving a conviction.  Also, does the Death Penalty resolve or curb the prevalence of drug trafficking?

Details of the forum is as follows:
Date:   11 May 2011 (Weds)
Time:   7:30 p.m.
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH), 
 1 Jalan Maharajalela, Kuala Lumpur

Please invite your friend and associates.  Amnesty International will be having an exhibition on the Death Penalty.  Among the speakers are Mr. Gobind Singh Deo, MP and Mr. M. Ravi (lawyer for a Malaysian facing the death penalty in Singapore).

Come! Hear the views of the speakers and consider the reasons why Malaysia should abolish the Death Penalty.

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